by Harley McAllister

​You can't raft and hike all year round, so one of our favorite ways to get outside in the winter is through skiing. But the hardest thing about getting your family into skiing is simply the cost - it is not an inexpensive sport. However, there are savings to be found out there if you know where to look, and we are here to help! There are a number of programs available to help parents keep costs down and build a love of skiing into your children.

Skiing is a fun way to get outside in winter and instill confidence in your children.

The first thing you need to be aware of is the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap, and it is coming up in about 10 days over Halloween weekend (Oct 30 - Nov 1st) . This ski swap has been going on for over 50 years, and it is the largest event of its kind in the region. Entry price is just $5 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. Once inside you will find over 20,000 new and used items for sale by individuals and local stores - skis, boots, poles, clothing, etc. You can find used skis and boots - the most expensive items when purchased new, for really low prices. There are volunteers there to help the uninitiated get started and to make sure the equipment fits your kids so they actually will have fun and not just be cold and falling down all day. So if you want to get your kids started in skiing, this is a great place to start!